What We Learned: Cactus League play draws to a close

Yesterday’s Results

Reds 9, Brewers 8

Links from BCB

• We're down to five days to Opening Day. Today's post looks at #5 Jonathan Villar.
• The Brewers infield is set for the upcoming season. Travis notes that infielders Colin Walsh and Yadiel Rivera have been informed that they will be on the Opening Day roster.
• With the last few decisions made yesterday, the bullpen is set for 2016. Derek previews the Brewers bullpen for the upcoming season.
• What will be the big storylines of 2016? Kyle has his list of five storylines to follow in the 2016 season.

Other Brewers News and Notes

• Right now, it's only a matter of time before Orlando Arcia makes his debut for the Brewers. Adam McCalvy of Brewers.com writes that Arcia's debut is getting close, and the Brewers could have a tough decision to make if Arcia has a hot start in Colorado Springs.
• With knee surgery likely to end Will Smith's season before it starts, Adam McCalvy reports that Smith will attempt a six-week rehab course first before making a decision on if surgery is necessary.
• How Jonathan Lucroy's season goes will dictate a lot about the future of the Brewers. Adam McCalvy writes that Lucroy will be the Brewers X-factor this season, as his health and a better year could dictate a better future for the club.
• The Brewers haven't had a left-handed pitcher make a start for the team since 2013, and it's going to continue with five RHP in the rotation for the Brewers. Ryan Romano of BP Milwaukee looks at the advantages and disadvantages with having a right-handed heavy pitching staff.
• Marcus Young of Miller Park Prospects has a profile of outfielder Kyle Wren.

Around Baseball

• The Angels acquired RHP Chris Jones from the Orioles for outfielder Natanael Delgado and infielder Erick Salcedo.
• The Blue Jays released RHP Steve Delabar and LHP Randy Choate.
• Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur will make the Opening Day roster.
• The Cubs released outfielder Shane Victorino, infielder Munenori Kawasaki, and LHP Manny Parra. They then re-signed all three of them to minor-league deals. They also placed utility player Javier Baez on the 15-day DL.
• The Diamondbacks released LHP Matt Reynolds.
• The Marlins released outfielder Justin Maxwell and infielder Don Kelly.
• Mets starter Matt Harvey will make his Opening Day start on Monday as scheduled. His start was in doubt after he developed a blood clot in his bladder and a kidney infection due to his urination patterns.
• Nationals RHP Matt Belisle has made the Opening Day roster.
• Following his release from the Padres, RHP Philip Humber has decided to retire. The Padres also released outfielder Skip Schumaker, optioned RHP Leonel Campos to Triple-A, and told Matt Thornton that he will make the Opening Day roster.
• The Phillies released RHP Edward Mujica.
• The Rangers acquired catcher Bryan Holaday from the Tigers in exchange for RHP Myles Jaye and catcher Bobby Wilson. They also released outfielder Drew Stubbs.
• The Rockies added the contract of outfielder Ryan Raburn to their major-league roster.
• The Twins optioned RHP Tyler Duffey to Triple-A after RHP Ricky Nolasco earned the final rotation spot.
• White Sox minor league pitcher (and former Brewer) Kameron Loe has received an 80 game suspension for a positive test under the drug program. (He posted an explanation and apology over his Twitter account.)

Today’s Action

It's the final game of the spring in Arizona, and the Brewers finish it up with a game against the Rockies. Ariel Pena will get the start today as he makes a final push to make the Brewers roster. First pitch is at 3:05 pm, and the game will be exclusively on MLB.com.